Small X

Small X and Saib Redefine Moroccan Hip-Hop with Introspective New EP, NAFIDA

Written by Words by Janet Iyere
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For decades, Small X has stood as an unshakable pillar of Moroccan hip-hop—a name that commands respect in cyphers from Casablanca to Rabat. Known for his razor-sharp delivery and a lyrical archive that maps the social tensions and street realities of North Africa, Small X has earned his place as one of the region’s most vital voices.

But with the release of NAFIDA, a collaborative EP with Casablanca-based Lo-Fi producer Saib, Small X trades in volume for vulnerability. Their latest single from the project offers a striking departure from the swagger and bravado typically associated with Moroccan rap. Instead, the track slips into a quieter, more introspective register—one that feels both intimate and experimental.

Saib, known globally for his chilled-out production style and deft sample curation, creates the perfect backdrop for this transformation. His beats are warm and textured, pulling from jazz, soul, and traditional Moroccan motifs without ever feeling derivative. It’s a sonic landscape that allows Small X to slow down, reflect, and speak from a place that feels deeply personal.

Lyrically, the project peels back the weight of legacy and expectation. You can hear Small X reckoning with his own myth—questioning what it means to be a veteran in a fast-moving scene, and what’s left when the lights fade and the crowd goes home. It’s the kind of raw, unguarded honesty that feels rare in a genre often built on bravado.

NAFIDA is more than just a side project or stylistic detour—it’s a statement. It proves that evolution isn’t just possible in Moroccan hip-hop; it’s essential. By bridging Small X’s lyrical gravitas with Saib’s meditative sonics, the duo creates a sound that honors the past while fearlessly exploring what’s next.

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In a scene often defined by noise, NAFIDA dares to be quiet—and in doing so, speaks volumes.

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